Blog Tour: BEYOND A DOUBT (A Carol Childs Mystery) by Nancy Cole Silverman

Synopsis

When reporter Carol Childs is called to the scene of a body dump she has no idea she’s about to uncover a connection to a string of missing girls. Young, attractive women drawn to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood via an internet promise of stardom and romance have been disappearing. A judge’s daughter leaves behind a clue and a trip down Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame reveals a connection to a high powered real estate mogul and to a cartel targeting girls for human trafficking.

Old Hollywood has its secrets, its impersonators and backdoor entrances to old speakeasies and clubs where only those with the proper credentials can go. And when Carol Childs gets too close, she finds herself politically at odds with powers that threaten to undue her career and like the very girls she’s seeking, disappear.

Books in the Carol Childs Mystery Series:
SHADOW OF DOUBT (#1)
BEYOND A DOUBT (#2)
WITHOUT A DOUBT (#3) January 2016

Review
Carol Childs gets involved when she's called to the body dump.  When someone else she knows, Gabi, is missing, she thinks there may be a connection.  Then her daughter is drugged during a pub crawl and Carol is on a mission, with a little help from her friend, Sherri.  Her corporate boss wants her to let it drop, wants a clean, homey show with lots of positives - certainly not a kidnapping/sex trafficking ring in Hollywood. 

Silverman spins a great tale here, and I for one will not have the same thoughts when I hear of (or see) a Clark Gable impersonator. The story moves quickly and Carol manages to get herself into trouble.  This isn't so much a "whodunit". The "who" is easy.  Carol's challenge is in proving it without endangering her daughter or herself.  This is the second in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone.  I'm looking forward to the third when it comes out.

About This Author
Nancy Cole Silverman credits her twenty-five years in news and talk radio for helping her to develop an ear for storytelling. But it wasn’t until 2001 after she retired from news and copywriting that she was able to sit down and write fiction fulltime. Much of what Silverman writes about today she admits is pulled from events that were reported on from inside some of Los Angeles’ busiest newsrooms where she spent the bulk of her career. In the last ten years she has written numerous short stories and novelettes. Today Silverman lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Bruce and two standard poodles.


Author Links
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Cole-Silverman/314202208737024?ref=h

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4027978.Nancy_Cole_Silverman

Twitter: @NancyColeSilve1

Purchase Links
Amazon B&N

SPOTLIGHT: MORGAN'S MOUNTAIN (A MONTANA SERIES NOVELLA) by Krista Ames

 

Today, it's my pleasure to interview Krista Ames, author of MORGAN'S MOUNTAIN, A Montana Series Novella:

Thanks so much for having me on your blog ☺

How long have you been writing? 
Oh, I guess 8 or 9 years now, I didn’t really start writing until I moved to Florida in 2006. Believe it or not, when I was younger, I didn’t even like to read.

What inspires you to write? 
Lots of different things inspire me actually. Movies are the biggest. Just the other day I watched SWITCH (w/Jennifer Aniston & Jason Bateman) for the first time and inspiration hit me before the movie even started. It was the music and the New York skyline in the opening credits that got my wheels turning.

How long did it take you to write Morgan’s Mountain? 
I’m not even sure I know, but probably longer than I’d like. (maybe 6+ months, I know bad right?) I hope to do better in the future. I run a tour company so I get kind of busy and sidetracked ☺

If you were casting the movie for this story, who would play Morgan? Luke?
Ooh that’s a good question… there are lots of actors and actresses out there that I love. Hmmm ok for Luke, the hair color wouldn’t match but Kellan Lutz or even Josh Lucas would make a good cowboy and for Morgan…Ashley Greene or Holly Marie Combs.

How did you happen to choose Montana for your setting?
I just love Montana. Whenever I think of Montana I think of mountains and cowboys ☺ Unfortunately, I haven’t been there yet but I hope to in the next couple years.

What was your favorite scene to write? 
I think it would have to be when Luke goes out to cut wood. I liked writing the quarreling parts with my hero and heroine. Since Morgan is such a self-sufficient type of person, she is dead set on doing things herself so when he goes outside, harmlessly I might add, to cut some wood, she gets furious ☺

Who designed the book cover? 
My wonderful editor at Roane Publishing was also the cover artist! We kind of worked together on the design, I found the pics and she put it all together. She has a fantastic talent!!!

This is part of a series – is it easier to write the next one in the series or harder? Is there another one coming in this series? 
You know, I really think it’s easier, especially when you mention secondary characters in the current story. Makes me more anxious to give them their own book. And actually there is another coming in the series, probably Tyler’s story but that’s all I can say ☺

What are your favorite things to do besides writing? 
I love being a stay-at-home mom even though all my kids are now in school all day. It gives me the time to get all my mom stuff done so once the kids are home, I have time for them.

Who is your favorite author and why? 
I have lots and lots of favorites but my all-time? That would be Linda Lael Miller. She is a fantastic author and one of hers was the first romance I actually read straight through. I was hooked after that one book. I LOVE Contemporary Western and she is the queen. Of course she writes other stuff too and I like all her stuff but she’s it for me ☺

Anything else, my readers might want to know about you? 
I guess that’s about it, I don’t think I’m a very interesting person ☺ However, if anyone gets a chance to read Morgan’s Mountain, I hope you’ll look me up and tell me what you think !!

Title: Morgan’s Mountain, A Montana Series Novella

Author: Krista Ames

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Release Date: July 13, 2015

Keywords: Romance, Western, Contemporary, Series, Novella

Blurb:

On the proverbial run from another failed relationship, Morgan finds herself in the one place she always found solace. With every intention of being alone, she’s surprised when she comes across the one person she never expected.

Luke would go to the ends of the earth to figure out why Morgan ran away five years ago and make things right with her. However, a dangerous trek up the mountains to her family’s cabin might not have been the smartest choice. To say she was happy to see him would be a huge lie. Having to rescue him, mortifying for Luke.

Toss a kidnapper into the mix and their feelings for each other are brought into perspective, revealing parts of themselves they never thought would come to light.

Purchase Links:
Roane Publishing
Amazon
Amazon (UK)
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
Bookstrand
All Romance eBooks

Krista Ames Bio:

Born and raised in Northern Indiana, Krista now resides in Northern Lower Michigan. She is married to a very supportive man who allows her to follow her true passion of writing and never complains when she is pirated away on her computer for hours. He is excellent at bouncing ideas around with and even helps the occasional writers block. He’s also a terrific “in house” editor. Krista is also a mother of four ornery children who keep her plenty busy. With an addition of 2 beautiful chocolate lab sisters and a playful kitty, there is never a dull or spare moment in her household.

Krista has always loved to read and would often sit up for hours into the night not able to put down a book until she was finished. She still reads when she can but her main focus is creating her own stories to share with the world.

She loves to communicate with her readers so please feel free to drop her a line anytime.

Ms. Ames Links:
Email: krista@kristaames.com

Website: http://www.kristaames.com/

Blog: http://www.apassionforromance.blogspot.com

Link for Morgan’s Mountain on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25643666-morgan-s-mountain

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Blog Tour: FLORA LIVELY AND A DATE WITH DEATH by Joanne Phillips

Synopsis

Amateur sleuth Flora Lively is back to investigate another mystery, and this time the body count is rising …

When Flora’s best friend returns to England with a Spanish film crew in tow, Flora is thrilled to land a job on set at a glamorous country house. But when a member of the crew is brutally murdered, and the priceless Infanta Tiara stolen, suspicion falls on everyone at Hanley Manor – including someone far too close to home.

When an arrest is made, Flora is plunged deep into a puzzling mystery, with no idea who she can and cannot trust. Surrounded by suspicion and bitter rivalries, she must keep one eye over her shoulder at all times. Because the murderer is about to strike again …

A Date With Death is a cozy English village mystery, ideal for readers who love cozy reads with romance and humor, and British mysteries on Kindle.

Review

Flora Lively wants to think the best of her old friends, and well, everyone she meets, but sometimes that's hard - like when two people are murdered.  Her new friend, Marshall, an American, who helps her run her father's business warns her not to get involved and is a bit jealous of Jack. Then Marshall is framed and Flora is determined to prove to Jack that Marshall is innocent. 

The plot and characters are interesting, with many possible suspects. Phillips provides enough twists and tension to keep the story flowing. With multiple suspects, the killer isn't too obvious, but makes sense when revealed. This is Book #2 in the Flora Lively British cosy mysteries series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. There's a hint of possible romance in Flora's future and I am curious to see how that unravels in the next book.

About The Author

Joanne Phillips lives in rural Shropshire, England, with her husband and young daughter. She’s the author of romantic comedies Can’t Live Without, The Family Trap and Cupid’s Way, and the Flora Lively series of contemporary mysteries. Can’t Live Without was an Amazon top 100 bestseller in 2012 and her books regularly appear on category bestseller lists. Before becoming a writer, Joanne had jobs as diverse as hairdresser, air hostess and librarian, but now divides her time between writing and finding creative ways to avoid housework. She’s a fan of super-dark chocolate, iced coffee and Masterchef.

Author Links

http://www.joannephillips.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joannephillipsauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/joannegphillips

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joanne-Phillips/e/B0083UEG86/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2862086.Joanne_Phillips

Purchase Links

US: http://www.amazon.com/Date-Death-Murder-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00W7GUVQI/

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Date-Death-Murder-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00W7GUVQI/

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REVIEW: SENIORS SLEUTH by Jennifer J Chow

Synopsis:

Winston Wong used to test video games but has left his downward spiraling career to follow in the footsteps of Encyclopedia Brown, his favorite childhood detective. When the Pennysaver misprints his new job title, adding an extra “s” to his listing, Winston becomes a “Seniors Sleuth.” He gets an easy first case, confirming the natural death of a ninety-year-old man. However, under the surface of the bingo-loving senior home is a seedier world where a genuine homicide actually occurred. Winston finds himself surrounded by suspects on all sides: a slacker administrator, a kind-hearted nurse, and a motley crew of eccentric residents. To validate his new career choice (and maybe win the girl), he must unravel the truth from a tangle of lies.

Review:

Winston needs a new career after a financial disaster in the dot.com industry. His sister bales him out, pays for the house he lives in, and he sets up an office as a "sleuth" - not as PI since he has no training other than his problem-solving skills from being a gamer.  He places his first ad, and in walks Cameron with her grandmother, apparently with dementia.  His first case - convince Eve that dd "Teddy's" death was not murder is seemingly more complex than it first appears. He sets off and discovers that there are more secrets among the elderly and those who work with them than he could have imagined.  As he unravels what happened, his gaming skills come in handy and somehow he might just win the girl. 

This is a well-written story that intertwines Asian culture and values, a not-so-pretty picture of what some versions of nursing homes for the elderly might look like, and very likable and unique characters like Jazzman and the Vietnam Vet. Winston is a bit bumbling but works hard and even after the easy solution, looks to be sure he has gotten it right.  He's no smooth talking PI, but Winston's got heart and after this he has lots of calls for cases to take.  This is a fun, quick beach read with hopefully more to come in the future.

AMAZON

Jennifer J Chow is Asian-American Author of:
The 228 Legacy
-Honorable Mention, 2015 San Francisco Book Festival
-Finalist, 2013 Foreword Reviews' Book of the Year Award
Seniors Sleuth
-Runner-Up, 2015 Beach Book Festival
www.jenniferjchow.com

Blog Tour Guest Post: D. E. HAGGERTY author of JACK GETS HIS MAN

Today, I'm pleased to have D. E. Haggerty as my guest with a excerpt from JACK GETS HIS MAN:

The Grey-Haired Knitting Detectives Go on Tour

D.E. Haggerty

Excerpt #1

“Hands in the air. Drop to your knees,” was shouted at them. Blinded by a flashlight, it was impossible to identify the speaker.

Martha huffed. “There is no way I’m going to my knees, young man.” She yelled at the light.

“Me either. I’ll never be able to get up again.” Ally agreed and put her hands on her hips in protest.

Jack shook his head but quickly dropped to his knees. Only he would get caught while snooping with two grandmas who refused to listen to the police. He hung his head and pretended he was somewhere else, anywhere else.

The cop lowered his flashlight and brought out a pair of cuffs. He started walking towards the group but stumbled when he took in Ally and Martha. He shook his head. “Are you ladies willing to go quietly into my squad car?” He asked.

Ally and Martha took one look at the cop and nodded. “Wherever you want to go officer,” Martha responded. Oh great. Now they were flirting with the arresting officer. Jack waited patiently on his knees until the cop reached him. He was cuffed and then dragged to his feet.

“Come on ladies,” the officer stated while pulling Jack to the cop car.

There were two squad cars in Damien’s driveway. Betty, Rosemary, and Rose were already sitting in the backseat of the other car. They waved as Jack passed with Ally and Martha in tow. Jack shook his head at them and looked for Izzy. She sat in her car and mouthed sorry but didn’t make a move to help them. Jack knew it wouldn’t help anything if Izzy got out of the car. She’d just get arrested as well but still he stuck his tongue out at her. The cop scanned the area to see where Jack’s tongue was pointed. Izzy immediately started up the car and, with a squeal of the tires, took off. Jack chuckled.

“Aren’t you going to turn on the siren,” Martha asked once the cop was back in the patrol car and they were headed to the police station. Ally bobbed her head in excitement. Jack hung his head.

The cop chuckled. “Normally perps don’t like the siren on.”

“Why not?” Ally leaned forward to get a better look at the officer.

“They don’t want to be seen being hauled to the police station,” was the officer’s perfectly acceptable answer.

Ally and Martha huffed. They leaned back and crossed their arms across their chests. “Well, that’s just boring,” Martha said to Ally. Ally nodded in agreement.

The quiet didn’t last long. “So, officer,” Martha began. “Are you single?” Jack tried to make himself disappear at this point but unfortunately closing his eyes and wishing he was anywhere else in the world but in the back of a cop car that smelled like piss with two elderly troublemakers turned matchmakers was a bust.

“I’m single ladies,” the officer readily answered. “But don’t get your hopes up for your granddaughters. I’m also gay.” Jack prayed for a hole in the floor of the sedan to open up and swallow him whole.

Ally and Martha clapped in glee. The officer turned around in surprise before quickly returning his attention to the road. The quick look was all Jack needed. It appeared that he’d been arrested by a man hot enough to be Mr. January in the police calendar. Although it was dark in the car, he couldn’t miss the curly brown hair and eyes the color of rich chocolate. He’d bet the man was made of muscles as well. He nearly sighed but caught himself just as he saw Ally and Martha looking at him for a response. He buried his face in his chest. Luckily, they had arrived at the police station.

Author Bio:

 I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but think I’m a European. After spending my senior year of high school in Germany, I developed a bad case of wanderlust that is yet to be cured. My flying Dutch husband and I have lived in Ohio, Virginia, the Netherlands, Germany and now Istanbul. We still haven’t decided if we want to settle down somewhere – let alone where. I’m leaning towards somewhere I can learn to surf even though the hubby thinks that’s a less than sound way to decide where to live. Although I’ve been a military policewoman, a commercial lawyer, and a B&B owner, I think with writing I may have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. That’s assuming I ever grow up, of course. Between tennis, running, traveling, singing off tune, drinking entirely too many adult beverages, and reading books like they are going out of style, I write articles for a local expat magazine and various websites, review other indie authors’ books, write a blog about whatever comes to mind and am working on my sixth book.

Purchase links:

AMAZON 

GOODREADS

Author links:

Website: http://www.dehaggerty.com

Blog: http://www.dehaggerty.com/mymusings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dehaggerty

Twitter: https://twitter.com/denaehaggerty

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DEHaggerty/posts

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/denahaggerty/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7210211.D_E_Haggerty

Book blurb:

  Jack’s life is awesome. His store is making money hand over fist and his best friend has found love. So what if he’s feeling a bit restless and put out about his upcoming birthday and his ex is being a pain in his fabulous behind? That’s nothing he can’t handle. But then his smoking hot new bookkeeper discovers things at the store aren’t actually as they seem. Someone is playing fast and loose with the finances. Jack’s bestie and his gal pals, the gray-haired knitting detectives, jump at the chance to solve Jack’s problems. When they aren’t re-enacting scenes from spy thrillers, they’re setting Jack up on dates and generally insinuating themselves into his love life. They’re determined to find love for Jack as well as his missing money. Will Jack catch a thief or find love? Either way Jack’s going to get his man.

Goodreads Event Page – https://www.goodreads.com/event/show/966357-the-gray-haired-knitting-detectives-go-on-tour

RAFFLECOPTER     Rafflecopter Giveaway Page – http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4af5be7f22/?

Author Event Chat Room – http://4wills-haggerty.chatovod.com/

Thank you for being my guest today!  I look forward to reading JACK GETS HIS MAN!

"This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com."

Book Review: TWICE AS FATAL by R Weir

Synopis (from Amazon)

Twice the business, twice the danger and Twice as Fatal. PI Jarvis Mann has two cases he is working, making his professional and personal life twice as difficult.

Ray Malone is a promising college football star whose career is derailed by injuries. When he disappears, close friend Jarvis is recruited by Ray’s father to locate him. After tracking him down a video is sent of Ray with the warning of it going public, threatening his career and those that love him.

Case two has landlord Kate Tanner hiring Jarvis to gather evidence against her cheating, thieving husband so she can divorce him. As Jarvis investigates he learns of the husband’s connection to a powerful man, with a dangerously perverted agenda that crosses into Kate’s life with deadly consequences.

Across the Rocky Mountain Front Range Jarvis tries to balance both cases, each dragging him deeper into different sleazy underworlds, jeopardizing him, his clients and their families. With danger and death all around him, he somehow must rescue everyone before this fatal business claims the lives of all involved, his life and the one he is growing to love.

Review:

Jarvis is back and his life is more complex as he tries to make his new relationship work while helping out his landlady and his friend.  He's traveling back and forth from Denver to Greeley and back, trying to find out secrets and keep secrets. One adversary has told him in graphic detail what will happen if he crosses them, but Jarvis may not be able to control all the players. 

This is the third in this series and as enjoyable as the first two! Jarvis has a good heart, but can find himself in trouble without the balancing act in TWICE AS FATAL. The plot is well developed and the pace is quick. He's on both cases because of personal relationships and still has to deal with some of the fallout from previous cases. That said, you don't have to read the books in order - this can be read as a stand alone - but why not read them all?  If easily offended, beware, there are some graphic scenes and adult content.

This is a new release and is currently only $0.99!

Purchase Link:

AMAZON

Previous Books in the Series:

Tracking A Shadow
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQHVKJA

The Case of the Missing Bubble Gum Card
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JGEZNSU